Devastation in the Gulf: Break the Oil Addiction & Protect Our Water

The terrible devastation in the Gulf of Mexico makes me even more passionate about the work we are doing to protect our local environment at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association. Like you, I have been heartbroken by the images of devastation and, like you, I mourn the tragic loss of life and the environmental catastrophe that is unfolding in slow motion before our eyes every night on television.

Before coming to the Watershed Association five years ago, I spent 15 years as an environmental advocate in Washington D.C. focused on public lands and energy issues. In that position, I traveled frequently around the country to speak out on environmental issues and help organize local advocacy efforts.

In April 2000 - almost exactly 10 years before the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon rig - traveled to London with a small handful of other environmentalists and a few native Alaskans and Canadians to protest outside BP's Annual General Meeting.

We were there to voice support for a proposed shareholders' resolution that aimed to force the company to abandon its efforts to secure drilling access to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other protected areas, and to invest substantially more in renewable energy. More than 13 percent of BP's shareholders voted for the resolution - a smashing victory for those kinds of measures - but unfortunately BP did not change directions.

Having invested a large portion of my life working on energy policy, I have a very personal sense of outrage and frustration these days as I search for things that I can do to help. I'm sure you share my feelings.

Perhaps the most important thing we do at the Watershed Association is work to change mindsets and behaviors. If the disaster in the Gulf has taught us anything, it's that we must take a more precautionary approach to altering our environment and dramatically reduce our consumption of natural resources like oil.

Even the most competent engineers with the best of intentions make mistakes. That's why we fight so hard to limit development of fragile areas in our watershed like the Princeton Ridge and Sourland Mountains, and why we've worked so hard to keep new roads and infrastructure away from our streams and rivers. We also need to redouble our efforts to reduce our consumption of oil and other fossil fuels. The Watershed Association is in the process of upgrading our facilities and machinery to do our part. We are committed to sharing our research on these technologies so that others can learn from our experiences.

Here are just a few ways we can all cut our consumption of oil and other fossil fuels:- Drive less by consolidating trips or using public transportation.- Enjoy the warm summer weather and ride your bike or take a walk.- Support alternative, sustainable energy sources like wind and solar power. See if your utility offers green energy options and make the switch.- Choose energy efficient appliances and equipment like the Watershed Association's new propane lawnmower, which emits 80 percent less air pollution.- And last but not least - conserve water.

Saving water saves energy, which means we're using less fossil fuel. According to River Network, a national river advocacy organization, Americans consume 13 percent of all our energy use (520 billion kilowatt hours of electricity every year) to pump, heat and treat water. So by conserving water, we can all reduce our energy and fuel consumption. From turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, to doing full loads of dishes or laundry, there are many simple ways to conserve water at home on our River-Friendly Resident Checklist. Become River-Friendly today!

For more than 60 years, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association has been protecting clean water and the environment in central New Jersey through conservation, advocacy, science and education. We are on the front-lines of protecting your water and natural resources.

Our work would not be possible without the support of our members. If you haven't already done so, please help us continue to protect our local environment by renewing your membership or becoming a member today.

About the Watershed AssociationThe Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association is central New Jersey's first environmental group, protecting clean water and the environment throughout central New Jersey. The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed is a 265-square-mile area of central New Jersey drained by the Stony Brook and Millstone River encompassing 26 towns and five counties. www.thewatershed.org